Making It Happen, For Reals
I used to tell people that I wouldn’t ever want to work for myself because I wasn’t a go-getter. The idea of freelancing made my former lazy self sink into the comfortable seat of my office chair and be very okay with the fact that maybe I wasn’t exactly at my dream job, and it wasn’t particularly that fulfilling to me when it came right down to it, but it allowed me to pursue my passions on the weekends while maintaining a steady, not too shabby paycheck, and work with lovely people who supported me. And for a long time, that was good enough for me.
When I was at home my mom and I were having a conversation about how I’m different from a lot of the people in my family, and she pointed out that it was because I was a go-getter, a quality she didn’t think all of them had. I was shocked – you think I’m a go-getter? Of course, she said. I think it was the best compliment she has ever given me, and while I don’t 100% agree with her, lately I’m trying to own up to that quality. To not take the comfortable route all the time, to not wait for opportunity to come my way, but to instead create it for myself.
Two weeks ago I put my notice in at my job of four years, and on August 1st, I will officially be working for myself full time – mostly on graphic design, but also on growing my jewelry business to have more frequent shop updates. The part of me that doubts my go-getter qualities is terrified, but the part of me that believes and trusts in my creativity and resourcefulness is really effing excited. There are definitely things I will miss, and my fellow freelancing friends that I’ve consulted for advice have given me plenty of things to consider.
There are way too many things on my mind right now that I want to share, and too many people to thank for making this possible, but I’ll leave it at this for now: here’s to the future. If you have any design projects in mind for the coming months, get in touch! As for For Me, For You? Expect a re-vamped design very soon – because August is all about new things for me. A new apartment/neighborhood and a new job. A new me. A pajama wearing, Cheddar Bunny eating me.
July 25th, 2011 at 8:04 am
congrats kate! best of luck!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Good on you–if you never try, you’ll never know. I know, someday soon, I will need to get back my own “go-getter” self.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:08 am
what great news kate! congrats on taking that leap. :)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:08 am
I knew it! You’re going to kill it and be so amazing. Congratulations on doing something most of us are too terrified to even entertain the thought of. xo
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:09 am
Good luck and congratulations!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:09 am
There is nothing like beginning to work for yourself to show you that you have extremely valuable talent.
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the transition…and all of the support I’m sure will come your way! : )
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:09 am
Awesome! Congrats!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:10 am
Best of luck to you! going at it on your own like that takes a lot of guts ( I’m trying to work up the guts ;) )
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:10 am
congratulations!! this is awesome news. i’ve been feeling similarly, and i think i’m almost at that point where i can switch from being an employee to employing myself. (everything but a fortune cookie ‘fortune’ is telling me to do so!) good luck – i’ll be watching with my (virtual, sadly) pompoms on the sidelines!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:11 am
Congratulations!! Best of luck with your new adventure. Be sure to keep us posted with how it all goes :)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:11 am
congrats, great news!! all the best for you! will be great, I am sure!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:12 am
Congratulations on this huge and exciting decision. I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for quite some time now and have never really left a comment before, but I think now is the perfect time to let you know I love what you’re doing on here. Can’t wait to see what cool new projects the future will bring you.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:13 am
You are a brave woman, and indeed a go-getter. Congratulations and best of luck!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:14 am
Super congrats and best of luck! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for the blog etc
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:17 am
so inspired by your decision and your courage – and i know it will be a wise decision for you. huge congrats… go kate!!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:21 am
Congratulations Kate! I’m so happy for you! Way to make it happen!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:21 am
It takes some serious guts to quit a ‘real job’!! Congrats – I know you’ll do great…
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:23 am
Congrats! That’s amazing!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:23 am
Kate! Congratulations. This is super exciting and bold and I am so inspired by your risks!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Congratulations!! That’s what I’m working towards too, and I can understand the feelings of being excited and scared to death at the same time. :) I’m sure you’ll do amazing things!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Congratulations, Kate!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:29 am
congratulations kate!!! how inspiring. you really are such a role model for other young creative women.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:31 am
Congrats! What an exciting adventure, best of luck!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:31 am
cheers, lady! so excited for you. it is terrifying but rewarding. you’ll continue to do amazing things!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:32 am
i’m three years out of my office job and into my own busibess, so here’s the deal – you’ll love it. you’ll work your face off. it’s a little like having a kid, you sort of lose that sense of ease you have with having a regular/paycheck job. but the trade-off is, you love what you are doing so you do it to the limit and love the long hours because it’s your decision to keep them. the rewards are super sweet. sometimes making all the decisions feel paralyzing. it’s the whole armed services motto – “the toughest job you’ll ever love”. after a year you will forget you ever worked in an office, you’ll wonder how you even did it, you’ll never want to do that again. so you’ll work your face off so you won’t have to do that again.
congrats. you’re life just got so much cooler!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:32 am
you’re livin’ the dream!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:33 am
& an excellent decision !! you go girl
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:35 am
This is exciting news! Good luck as you embark on your next career; it’s gonna be awesome!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:35 am
Awesome news! I’m so excited for you!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:39 am
Hooray!!! I am working on making that transition myself, slowly but surely… Though I’m already just doing contract work and don’t have a steady paycheck, so maybe it’s not as big of a leap- either way, congrats on having the courage- it’s inspiring!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:46 am
wow, so exciting! wishing you the best of luck and i can’t wait for you to share your experiences. i bet it will be amazing!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:54 am
Like Stephanie, I have read your blog for some time, years maybe, and have never posted before. I’m so inspired by your latest post, you’ll do brilliantly I’m sure!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:56 am
Am I allowed to say, “FUCK YES”? Because, yeah, FUCK YES!!! I’ve known you for… how long? Ten years? And this is definitely the path I saw you taking eventually. I’m so so excited for you!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:01 am
I’m really happy for you! I know it’s going to be amazing because everything you do is. And not to make this about me, but I really do wish I had the confidence to make a bold move like that. Best of luck to you, girl xoxoxo
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:03 am
Congratulations Kate!! You are very brave and you deserve the best luck! I suposse it’s very difficult to make the decision but go ahead. I will be waiting for your new creations :)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Yeah, Kate! Get it, girl! -Maryellen (aka your I.G. Summer 2009 intern!)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:13 am
Going freelance and quitting my day job truly allowed me to learn so so much about myself, so I hope you get to do that with yourself too and maybe along the way you will discover why your mom thinks you possess the qualities of go-getter!
It’s hard work but I think it’s worth working hard for yourself. Have fun and if and when dark self-doubting days come around, remember this post you wrote and get back out there!!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:21 am
Congrats, Kate! That is such exciting news. I can tell, just from reading your blog, that you’ll be a mad success. I can’t wait to see what you dream up first! Cheers!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:28 am
I have been following your blog for some time now. I don’t comment much but I do truly enjoy it. This post made me smile – ear to ear for you. Big step but it will be SO good (slightly jealous BTW)! Congratulations. pam
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:32 am
this is awesome.
you can do it. :)
i can’t wait to see what you have in store.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:36 am
YES!!!!!!!!! Well done you. x
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:40 am
This is really inspiring. Congratulations!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Congrats! Please do share details on the transition + ‘lessons learned’ for those of us dreaming of the same.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Congratulations on making the leap!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Thanks for sharing, and for being super inspirational. I’m looking forward to reading about your new adventures.
-Haley
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:01 am
Congratulations! You do seem like a go-getter. I think it’s actually easier in your pajamas.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:02 am
So happy for you, Kate! I can’t wait to see the blog redesign and more cheddar bunnies (I buy an offbrand imitation, cheddar penguins, ha). You are such a go-getter, who are you kidding?! You’re Mom is spot on. Can’t wait to see what happens next for you. It’s so exciting to have so many new things at once.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Yay!! I love the idea of running fervently in the direction of your dreams!! Congrats on your new adventure!
xx
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:05 am
this is hugely exciting lady…(and inspiring…hmm)
xox
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Way to go! You’ll do just fine.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:16 am
This is the post I wanted to write but didn’t. You said it so well. Hats off to you for taking the plunge. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you you’re not a go-getter. You will go out and get it if you really want it. xoxo
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Congratulations, Kate! Excited for all the great things in store for you. I just went part time at my retail job to make more time to pursue something baking/food related. I don’t know where it’ll take me but I’m excited at the possibilities.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Oh, good luck! I have been wanting to do that for so long…I think the only way it will happen is if circumstances force it to happen…
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Wow. This is all so exciting!! Congratulations! I’m sure you’re going to turn this experience into an inspiration for many of us. Personally, I’m already there.
I’ve been tinkering with the idea of quitting my dayjob (which has absolutely ZERO to do with photography – I’m a personal home shopper for Safeway, bleah) so that I can try and pursue the arts full time. But, I’m still shaky on the idea.
I look forward to watching your transition, and taking notes along the way. ;) Good luck!! Seriously, so awesome!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:45 am
I’ve said this before, but it deserves to be said again: Congratulations! It is so awesome and inspiring that you are taking this step. I can’t wait to see where you go next!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:59 am
This is super exciting, I am really happy for you! Takes lots of guts and courage to do this, it’s really cool to see, so inspiring!!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Good luck!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Congrats! I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little jealous. Haha.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
You go girl! I’ve been a freelance designer for 6 years and never regretted it. Sometimes it’s totally crazy, yes, and sometimes it’s incrediby freeing. But it’s never as stressful as being an employee, in my opinion. You are clearly a go-getter ;-) Go get!
xox from a long-time reader and non-commenter…
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Kate, I know I’ve never met you in person but anyone with a wonderful, insightful, poignant, honest and wildly succesful blog like yours has to be a go-getter! Your cross country move is proof alone. Congratulations on your decision, you’re gonna be such a great freelancer!! xoxo
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
congrats!!! i was so excited to see this announcement pop up and wish you all the best on this new chapter of your life. very excited to see what you cook up!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Congrats Kate! I’ve only commented here once or twice but I really dig your blog and your work in general. I have one of your necklaces and I love it — it is very high quality. You definitely have what it takes to make it on your own and I think that the freedom that comes along with directing your own course will give you bounds of new ideas whenever you need them. Yay!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Never commented here before, but I’ve been reading your blog for such a long time and just love it! Wanted to wish you the best of luck in your new path and say that I’m happy for you (as weird as it may sound..) and inspired. Congrats!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
you are such an inspiration!!! you will be amazing working for yourself!!!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
What a great start to a Monday, right?! Awesomeness, congrats! I recently did the exact same thing – gave up a reliable career to do my own thing and although at times it scares the BE-JINGOS out of me, most of the time I spend smiling and singing to itunes, while drawing all day. It’s not a bad life… GOOD LUCK, YOU WON’T LOOK BACK!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Congrats Kate! I admire your courage and I’m wishing ya the best :)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
I can totally relate to the idea of not thinking of yourself as a go-getter. I feel the same way, but when I look back at some of the decisions I’ve made, I realize that it’s more about the “thing” that motivates the getting. You are obviously passionate about your blog/photography/jewelry, which will spark the go-getter in you more than you realize (even when things get a little challenging). Good luck :-)
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Congratulations and best of luck from a lurking reader! I’m always very inspired when I see artsy bloggers get ready to take that leap. I’m interested to know where in LA you will be moving to, and to learn about how you set up your business.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! Yes, I needed to yell that. Both my parents are self-employed artists (architect & writer), so it is totally possible. And awesome.
re: the go-getter thing: I’m the same way, and I recently started reading Jen Dziura’s Bullish job advice column over at The Gloss & The Grindstone. I love it because she’s hardcore (she started her own company in college, and she’s freelanced full-time in NYC for years), and she really promotes being self-employed. She basically convinced me to be a full-time freelancer, after years of leaning towards the idea. Good stuff.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Funny how we call the boring, unsuitable occupations “real jobs,” when in reality they are often not at all “real” or authentic to who we are. What is the point of living if you aren’t going to take risks? What’s the worst that could happen? I feel that, living in very privileged societies, we owe it not only to ourselves but to the rest of the world to do what we do best and to break out of zombie brainless patterns that are so easy to fall into. We have so many opportunities! As they say, all we do comes down to two motivations- fear or love. Doing what you do best and what you are most content doing shows others that they can be happy too, and can only be a god thing! Well done!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
congrats and good luck! so exciting. i’m sure you’ll do wonderfully.
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
YAY YOU!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Get some! That’s awesome, Kate. Congrats!
[Reply]
July 25th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Oh my goodness!! I am so excited for you, Kate! Wonderful news. Sending all sorts of good luck and good thoughts your way. Go you!
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 2:39 am
Wow that’s amazing news!!! I have all of the faith in the world that you’re going to do great!! Life’s too short not to be doing the things you love :) Congratulations again!
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 3:21 am
Kate this is fantastic news! I’m so happy for you and I can imagine it’s a very exciting time! Congrats to your future!! Such great news indeed!
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 7:08 am
how exciting! I wish you tons of success!
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 7:21 am
This is so awesome!!! While I do not know you personally, I do read your blog and I think that you will be phenomenal!
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 10:58 am
so. proud.
go get ‘em, kate.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
freelancers unite! welcome to the good life, kate miss.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
so exciting kate!!! go you!!! i’m so happy to hear this :)
[Reply]
July 26th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
kate – we met at Joy’s workshop. So happy and excited to read your post and congrats on the leap!! :)
[Reply]
July 27th, 2011 at 4:25 am
I think this is an awesome decision!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2011 at 4:48 am
You’re going to rock it, Kate. You ARE a go-getter!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2011 at 8:23 am
Thank you for this. so inspiring.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2011 at 8:47 am
TOTALLY//ABSOLUTELY//LOVED//HEARING//THAT!!!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2011 at 9:39 am
That is friggin Awesome! Best of luck!
[Reply]
July 28th, 2011 at 12:57 am
Congratulations on this big decision. You will be amazing — have no fear! I am looking to establish myself as a freelancer in several months’ time when I’ve finally finished my writing master’s. I feel both excited and apprehensive, and look forward to following your journey as you make the transition. Good luck! A xo
[Reply]
July 28th, 2011 at 6:08 am
Best wishes! You will be awesome!
[Reply]
July 29th, 2011 at 4:50 am
hey girl – just catching up on all the blogs after being gone for so long. Congratulations – I’m so excited for you. Go get ‘em.
[Reply]
July 29th, 2011 at 8:45 am
You are amazing
[Reply]
July 29th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Oh wow, Kate that’s fantastic! I’m so excited for you and really can’t wait to see what’s in store for you, I know it’s going to be great.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I’m going to leave one comment for three of your posts here…
first of all, I’m so excited for you going freelance! best of luck with everything, it’ll be awesome, you just wait! also, your mum… sometimes they say the most astute things about you, when you least expect it. secondly – little dragon; aren’t they just brilliant?! I got my copy of the cd in the post today and me, the hubby and oomoo have been bopping to it all morning. I love all of their albums so much (you must get them if you haven’t already) and I’m eternally grateful to damon albarn for introducing them to me (not personally… but on the last gorillaz album, haha). thirdly – your contribution to the other people’s houses project was my fave. that picture of the of the PANTS (heehee) drying in the sun is a-mazing. I think I might have to buy it (if I can)… have wonderful weekend ms miss and… don’t look back! x
[Reply]
July 31st, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Nothing beats wearing pjs while working! Congrats to you on the major life change, you are going to feel so good, like someone lifted the weight off your shoulders. BTW, from reading your blog I totally thought you were a go-getter. I think you’re going to have to come to terms that you’re pretty rad!
[Reply]
August 3rd, 2011 at 3:57 am
We share a similar scary major new change. I’m about to go back to university to start a new career at the age of 32 because I have become bored with sitting at a desk. Nice paycheck but so very unfulfilled! Its good to know other people are taking giant leaps too…makes me feel less crazy.
[Reply]